Lucid Flow is an interactive light installation inspired by the theme “Neon Dreams: Light and Colour.” It draws on the concept of lucid dreaming—a state where one is asleep and dreaming but becomes aware they are inside the dream. This unique experience allows the dreamer to navigate between surrendering to the unpredictable imagination and exerting conscious control.
The installation mirrors this duality by responding to natural forces in real time. Wind speed drives flowing, wave-like animations, while the temperature determines the colour palette—warm reds, oranges, and yellows on milder days, shifting to cool blues and greens during colder weather. Lucid Flow is shaped by the environment reflecting the unpredictability and fleeting nature of dreams.
Visitors are encouraged to use their phones to “shine a light” and interact with the installation. By illuminating the piece—such as with a phone’s flashlight—visitors trigger a unique animation, symbolizing the dreamer’s power to shape their dreamscape amidst the unpredictability of the unknown. By merging natural forces, interactivity, and technology, Lucid Flow creates a captivating experience and invites visitors to immerse themselves in a vibrant, dreamlike world of light and motion.
Artists
Ivan Rys
Ivan Rys is a Toronto-based multimedia artist whose work blends mathematical algorithms, natural phenomena, and digital creativity. With over a decade of experience in computer graphics, Ivan merges technology and artistic expression to craft visually engaging and thought-provoking works. His diverse portfolio includes natural simulations for films, immersive projection mapping installations, and commercial projects for brands such as Adidas, Coca-Cola, and Samsung. A background in DIY electronics lends a technical, hands-on dimension to his artistic practice, enabling him to explore innovative approaches in light and motion.
Ivan draws much of his inspiration from nature, finding creative energy in activities like cycling, birdwatching, and long walks. These moments of connection with the natural world deeply influence his work, shaping his explorations of light, colour, and motion. Ivan aspires to create experiences that foster a deeper appreciation for the interplay of the organic and the technological, encouraging viewers to engage with both the environment and their own imagination.
